HART ADDS MORE THAN BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE TO HUSKIES

Kerry Hart has returned to the basketball court.

While some may see this as just another story about a female playing hoops, this adventure involves quite a bit more than your average College student.

A graduate of Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough, then the University of Prince Edward Island with a Business degree, Hart isn't finished with her education or contributing to society in a positive way.

In fact, it was her personal desire to help others in need that contributed to her return to the classroom. Playing basketball, a sport she adores, might also be a way of maintaining her tip-top shape.

Hart is 39 years of age - a mother of two young boys and wife of a Toronto surgeon.

On the hardwood, it has been awhile since Hart last played the competitive game as a shooting and point guard. As for fitness, even she admits to being in the best physical stage of her life.

"I went from athlete and graduate to middle age stereotypical woman," said Hart. "I wanted to study and learn more about women's issues and then help people."

Basketball teammates may have wondered who she was at that first practice not long ago, but they quickly found out about her talent and desire to contribute to the team.

Hart, who in her high school days had a summer job working at a YWCA in the Kawartha area, also remembers that time as being "a scary experience".

Many years later, and having worked 10 years as well as raising her family, Hart chose to return to schools - not to get to a third graduation or earn a Diploma at George Brown College, but to learn about helping women and children affected by violence.

Hart is in her first year of the Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program.

"I remember that summer job many years ago in Peterborough" recalled Hart. "It was an experience I will never forget. I consider myself to be a woman who is very fortunate and now want to give back to those who can use my advice and assistance."

When it relates to assistance, and also being a College student, Hart also didn't hesitate a return to the basketball court - even if it might only be for a short term.

"As a mother of two boys, a wife and with lots of responsibilities, toss in academics - you could say I'm busy," she said. "But I find time, the desire to help people with addiction and mental health issues are very important to me."

The likelihood is you won't be seeing Hart lead the team in scoring, as the Huskies challenge for an OCAA playoff spot, but her valuable past experience in the high school and university games will show along with the perseverance to find the open player, set up the big shot and contribute in more ways that scoring..

Hart joined the Huskies for a trip to Michigan over the Holiday Break, then played briefly in a tournament and, in her first Ontario Colleges Athletic Association league game, was 1-for-2 from the free throw line playing just 2:51 of the game - one Centennial College won, 62-60.

Source: George Brown College

Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic